The search is ongoing for Lauren Elizabeth Cook, 30, from Virginia, and her three kids—Benjamin, 7, Hannah, 5, and Elijah, 2—after they were last seen in Franklin County on September 5, as informed by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Lauren and her children’s pictures have been shared by the sheriff’s office since September 13, seeking the public’s assistance in their search. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also lists them. It’s believed they might be in a blue 2013 Chrysler van bearing a Virginia license plate, as noted by the nonprofit organization.
However, Jordan Cook, the children’s father, conveyed to WSET-TV that he has been in touch with Lauren. “My family isn’t ‘missing,’” he mentioned. “I’ve spoken to my wife, and they’re fine. We’d appreciate privacy during this period.”
Jordan Cook’s claims could not be immediately verified by Newsweek.
The sheriff’s office maintains their stance on searching for Lauren and her children. Sergeant Megan Huston mentioned to USA Today, “Unless we can verify Lauren and the children’s safety through direct contact, they will stay listed as missing.”
The last time Lauren’s mother talked to her around September 5, she was visiting relatives in New York. Her last known cellphone location was in Lexington, Virginia on September 7, and her bank records show no recent transactions.
The sheriff’s office initiated a missing persons investigation on September 13 when Lauren missed a scheduled court date in Franklin County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. This was a rescheduled date from September 5, which she also missed.
The sheriff’s office lost contact with Lauren and her children days before the report was filed. They had no contact with her after September 5 or 6, except for the information that she was visiting family in New York. On September 14, investigators verified that the family was in Litchfield, Illinois.
Authorities believe they might not be in Franklin County due to family ties in various states. “For Lauren and her children to be removed from the ‘missing persons’ list, a direct law enforcement verification is necessary,” reiterated the sheriff’s office.
If anyone has information about their whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency.
